World heritage of Armenia Millenia Ago and Today

Welcome to Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. Our tour leader will greet you at the airport and help you with all the ground handling services. 
After a welcome briefing meeting with the tour leader, you will check in to your hotel.

Time to explore the Armenian capital Yerevan – a 2806 year old and modern city, located in the shadow of the biblical Mount Ararat. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. You will explore The Republic Square with its dancing and singing fountains, Cascade, Opera House, North Avenue, parks devoted to 2700th and 2800th anniversaries of the city. From the impressive Cascade you have a panoramic view of the whole capital.

Have a rest and get ready for tomorrow's adventure. . 

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Included Activities

• Yerevan City Tour

Important Notes

It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting, as we will be distributing details and next of kin information such as brochures with useful info about Yerevan and Armenia, maps, places to eat and things and activities to do around.

09:00 – Breakfast in the hotel
10:00 – Starting the tour 

The day starts with departure to the villages of Goght and Garni. Our first stop is at Geghard Monastery - an incredible medieval monastery, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection status. Here you will have a chance to enjoy the performance of a fantastic choir in one of the chambers of the monastery with one of the greatest acoustics you ever saw. The choir will leave you with goose bumps and unforgettable emotions. 

Barely recovered from the musical and cultural strong impressions, we take you to Symphony of Stones (half of the road to the Symphony of Stones is hiking) where you can listen to the silent music of stones, that the virtuoso nature has created himself. 
Garni gorge is one of the most exceptional places for tourists to visit and to see amazing natural rocks known as the “Symphony of Stones” or “Basalt organ”. The rocks have a shape of long hexagonal vertical columns, which are associated with the church organ. Huge stone pillars are located at an altitude of about 50 meters above the ground. It’s hard to believe that neatly and symmetrically sculpted stones are created by nature itself and not by human.

We continue towards Garni Temple - the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded Pagan temple in Armenia and the former Soviet Union. An Ionic pagan temple located in the village of Garni is the best-known structure and symbol of Pre-Christian Armenia. The structure was built in the 1st century AD as a temple to the God of Sun Mihr.

Lunch will be in a cozy Armenian restaurant with a panoramic view to Temple Garni.

We return back to Yerevan where we will have a guided tour to NOY Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory - one of the best corners of Yerevan city to enjoy your time. The administrative building of the factory built in Shustov’s times, has turned into a museum where the information about Armenian brandy making and about the people who had a contribution to the development of the factory is kept. Here you may take a tour and get acquainted with the glorious past and present of Armenian brandy and wine making and spoil your taste buds by tasting Portwein 1944-year reserve, Cognac 5- and 10-years reserve.

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Included Activities

• Geghard Monastery and performance of a Choir
• Symphony of Stones
• Garni Pagan Temple
• NOY Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory

Meals Included 

• Breakfast at the hotel

09:00 - Breakfast in the hotel
10:00 – Starting the tour 

Today’s program starts with a visit to Matenadaran – research institute, a museum and repository of Ancient Manuscripts. Matenadaran contains a total of some 23,000 Armenian and foreign manuscripts and scrolls, including fragments.

Next stop is the spiritual and religious center of Armenia Etchmiadzin - the 5th-largest city in Armenia. The city is best known as the location of Etchmiadzin Holy Mother Cathedral, the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is unofficially known in Western sources as a “Holy City” and in Armenia as the country's "Spiritual Capital". Along with several important early medieval churches located nearby (St. Gayane, St. Hripsime), Etchmiadzin Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Holy Lance that pierced Jesus’s side (also known as the Spear of Destiny and Lance of Longinus) is kept in Ejmiatsin.  

Lunch will be at Agape Refectory - This building is a restored monks’ refectory from 1655. It is now an elegant restaurant with classic and modern Armenian food where you will feel yourself back in 17th century.

Another amazing monument worth visiting is Zvartnots Cathedral (literally “celestial angels cathedral”) is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetra conch type Armenian cathedral. Now in ruins, it is located at the edge of the city of Etchmiadzin, on the background of mesmerizing view to Biblical Mount Ararat. Zvartnots was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000.

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Included Activities

• Matenadaran repository and museum of manuscripts
• Holy City Etchmiadzin
• Treasure Museum of Etchmiadzin
• Zvartnots Cathedral

Meals Included 

• Breakfast at the hotel

08:00 - Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 – Starting the tour 

The morning starts by heading to the Southern part of Armenia. From Yerevan we move towards Khor Virap Monastery (in Armenian stands for “deep dungeon”). Khor Virap's notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for about 14 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory subsequently became the king's religious mentor, and they led the proselytizing activity in the country. In the year 301 Armenia was the first country in the world to be declared a Christian nation.
The walled religious complex also stands before the snowcapped flanks of Mount Ararat, offering a spectacular view of the mountain and cutting a striking silhouette in and of itself.

Our next highlight is wine tasting in Areni - The Areni 1 cave complex is a multicomponent site, and late Chalcolithic / Early Bronze Age ritual settlement, located near the Areni village. In 2010, archeologists discovered the earliest known shoe (5500 years old) at the site. In January 2011 the earliest known winery (about 6100 years old) in the world was uncovered in the cave. Later, in 2011 the discovery of a straw skirt dating to 3,900 years BC was reported. In 2009, the oldest humanoid brain was discovered in the cave.

Lunch will be at Areni.

Our next highlight is wine testing at "Hin Areni" winery. Vayots Dzor and Areni village in particular has been the cradle of Armenian winemaking for millennia. "Hin Areni" wine factory opens up the doors of this region to the world to showcase the historic and indigenous Armenian grape varietals. At the winery the historic traditions of winemaking are well combined with state-of-the-art modern equipment. "Hin Areni" wine factory has the capacity to process over 250 tonnes of grapes.

To finalize this beautiful day we visit Tatev Monastery - a 9th century historical monument. It is one of the oldest and most famous monastery complexes in Armenia. During medieval times Tatev Monastery was a vital scholastic, enlightenment and spiritual center and played a singular role in the country’s history. You will reach the Tatev Monastery by the shortest, most picturesque and impressive route, by “Wings of Tatev” - the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records: twelve minutes of unforgettable flight above the gorge of the fierce Vorotan River, through a celestial highway at the altitude of 320m.

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Sisian on BB basis. 

Included Activities

• Khor Virap Monastery
• Areni Cave 1
• Hin Areni Winery
• “Wings of Tatev” longest reversible cableway 
• Tatev Monastery

Meals Included 

• Breakfast at the hotel

08:00 - Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 - Starting the tour 

The morning starts with a small hiking to the beautiful Shaki Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Armenia. On the left side of the river Vorotan's gorge, basalt lava flows have solidified to form a 18 meters high ledge from which the waterfall cascades down. Get closer to the refreshing splashes and enjoy the calming sound of the water. One could stay hours in this magnificent location.

After your refreshing morning hike time to visit the mysterious prehistoric complex of Carahunge (Zorats Karer) (walking). This famous megalithic structure consists of hundreds of vertically arranged stones that are stretched from the south to the north. In the middle, there are about 40 stones that are formed into an ellipse. The size of the stones ranges from 0.5 to 3 meters and can weigh up to 10 tons. It is also called "Armenian Stonehenge". According to researchers, Carahunge could be among the world's oldest astronomical observatories and is at least 3,500 years older than British Stonehenge.

After active hiking and walking, lunch will be in the cozy village Artabuynk where you can have genuine interaction with the locals and enjoy your delicious lunch of local food.
On our way to next destination we will pass by Vardenyats (Selim) Caravanserai - an ancient caravanserai located along Vardenyats pass that was part of the Great Silk Road. The building served as a place where caravans, moved from Europe to the East, stopped for an overnight stay. Historical sources indicate that the construction located on the Vardenyats Pass was erected in 1332, by the order of Duke Chesar Orbelyan. It is known that Marco Polo crossed this area and described how the Armenians lived in impenetrable mountains.

Then we will visit Mikaelyan Family Farm cheese factory. Here you will also see the process of cheesmaking, take part in a cheesemaking for Cheese tasting master class and taste the exclusive range.
The family left its home in Yerevan in 2012 and moved to Noratus village to start the production of new unique kind of eco-cheese. They turned the former apple and potato cellars of the village house into a cheese factory and began producing chees with exclusive tastes, which became the only ones in Armenia. The company is specialized in the production of wine-cheese, cognac-cheese, “horats” and parmesan-type cheeses.
The process of brewing cheese in Armenian brandy, cinnamon, grape leaf and wine lasts a long time. The cheese is processed for 4-6 months, thanks to which it receives particular taste and smell and has a natural peel. Masters from Europe often visit the cheese factory to get acquainted with the technology of their production.

We reach Sevan where we are going to spend the overnight.

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Sevan on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Shaki waterfall
• Karahunj (Armenian Stonehenge)
• Selim Pass, Caravanserai (The Great Silk Road)
• Mikaelyan Family Farm cheese factory
• Lake Sevan

Meals Included 

• Breakfast at the hotel

Important Notes

Today we will be having a small hiking and walking in Shaki Waterfall, Karahunj and Smbataberd. No special physical readiness is required, being moderately fit is enough. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes and have sun protection (caps, sunglasses, sun cream).

08:00 - Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 - Starting the tour 

Today’s program starts with Lake Sevan. Not a single visit to Armenia is complete without visiting her majesty Lake Sevan - the highest freshwater mountain lake in Europe, and surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus mountain range. Set 1900m above sea level, Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus, it's also one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world. Its colors and shades change with the weather and by its own mysterious processes, from a dazzling azure to dark blue and a thousand shades in between. The lake supports a healthy fish population, including the endangered Ishkhan (prince trout), named for a row of spots like a crown on its head.

On the Sevan Peninsula, we visit Sevanavank Monastic complex, which dates back to the 9th century. Almost no visit to Armenia is complete without visiting one of the highest mountainous lakes in the world. Get ready to tick off another bucket list location in Armenia.

For the lovers of high sky we offer in Sevan an amazing Paragliding adventure as an optional activity at extra cost. A must do when visiting Armenia, with Armenia`s leading experts in tandem paragliding flights. The team of highly qualified and professional pilots will make sure to give you the experience of a lifetime.

***Paragliding is offered as an optional activity at extra cost.

After lunch in Sevan our day continues to beautiful city of Dilijan that is sometimes referred to as the forest kingdom of Armenia. In this cozy town, you can find vivid examples of traditional wooden house architecture. The mountains and gorges are covered with rich forests changing to alpine meadows and dotted with small farms, hiking tracks, lakes and rivers. The mountainous landscape is highly diverse, with different terrains, climates, soils and water resources. Many natural and man-made features enrich the national park: monasteries, lakes, archeological sites, forests, rivers and farmland create an endlessly-changing environment.

The day wouldn’t be complete without visiting Haghartsin Monastery that rises among the majestic mountains where eagles fly. The name of the monastery is associated with them: Haghartsin in Armenian means “game of eagles”. The most ancient building of Haghartsin is the Church of St. Grigor built in the 11th century by monks who fled from Western Armenia fleeing persecution. Haghartsin used to be a major center of culture and spirituality in Armenia since the 13th century.

We will visit a local Honey House located in a cozy corner right in the heart of nature, where you can taste different types of natural delicious homemade honey, jams, and the most unique and authentic wine — a kind you probably have never tasted before — Honey Wine. Couldn’t resist the taste? Buy from these delicious treats and take with you.

After a day full of impressions we reach Yenokavan for overnight in the picturesque mountains.

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Yenokavan on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Lake Sevan
• Sevanavank Monastic Complex
• Dilijan
• Haghartsin Monastery

Optional Activity at extra cost

• Tandem Paragliding (full description and pricing will be provided separately)

•  o   Tandem Flight 10 min

   o   Tandem Flight 20 min

*Included. The pilot will make photos and videos during the flight with GoPro camera.

Meals Included

• Breakfast at the Hotel

Important Notes

Depending on weather conditions, Paragliding may be canceled if the weather is not suitable for flying on that specific day of the tour.

08:00 - Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 - Starting the tour 

The day starts with heartbeat of emotions and unforgettable extreme at Yell Extreme Park - being in the heart of astonishing Yenokavan mountains Yell Extreme Park is real paradise for those who want to combine adrenaline with eco environment. Park offers about 10 unusual and creative activities (zipline, via ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding, zorbing and more) and is recognized as one of the most unique amusements in the region. We are pretty sure that here each one will find an activity that is close to his heart. 
*** Here we offer an amazing horseback riding experience right in the heart of lush nature. Other activities are offered as optional activities at extra cost.
Meanwhile you catch up on your breath after the adrenaline dose in the flow, we depart towards Lastiver (includes jeeping and small hiking). Lastiver is located in the North-east of Armenia in outskirts of Yenokavan. It is a perfect hidden gem in the woods where you can be close to the nature and find your inner peace. Here you can also see some caves where the hermits used to live. There is a place called “Lastiver Anapat” where you can see a lot of small huts and houses on the trees. The small waterfalls cascading one into another with their magical soothing sounds make this place look like a fairy tale.
Participate in the master class preparation of traditional and mouthwatering Armenian barbeque right in the heart of nature before we move to Lori Province for overnight. 

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Lori on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Yell Extreme Park
• Lastiver 
• Master class food preparation 

Optional Activities at Yell Extreme Park at extra cost (apart from horseback riding)

• Zip line 
• Rope park 
• Via ferrata 
• Off road

Meals Included 

• Breakfast at the hotel

Important notes

Please note that part of the road to Lastiver will be passed by 4X4 cars as a jeeping experience and some part of the trail to reach Lastiver will be done by small hiking. No special physical readiness is required, being moderately fit is enough. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes and have sun protection (caps, sunglasses, sun cream).

09:00 - Breakfast in the hotel
10:00 - Starting the tour 

We start the day by visiting the Haghpat Monastery. The Complex is included in UNESCO World Heritage list and represent the highest flowering of Armenian religious architecture of that era. The functional role, location and stylistic characteristics were taken into consideration during the construction of each building that stand in perfect harmony with the picturesque landscape.

Our next stop will be at ''Zarni-Parni'' cave castle complex with a breathtaking panoramic view to the gorge. Zarni-Parni cave castle complex is located in a picturesque forest canyon with a delightful panorama view of the Kayan fortress.

We round up the day with another highlight full of emotions and adventure – Rafting on river Debed. Enjoy almost 90 minutes and 11km of rafting through the amazing landscapes and have that adventure thrill on the river Debed. The daring travelers can also choose to jump from the bridge or slide on the raft into the river for a wider spectrum of emotions. Your Rafting guide will take amazing pictures and videos and share them with you. 

Those who are not into Rafting, will have a small hike to Kobayr Monastery as a little tour. The steep walk takes 10 to 15 minutes. Perched above the hamlet of Kobayr is the 12th-century monastery of the same name. The main church has some partially restored frescoes and a detached 13th-century bell tower. There are also three chapels, one with a scenic circular balcony. Behind the main church is a beautiful slow-dripping waterfall that's also worth seeing.

Our next highlight is ANGAR – a vodka distillery restaurant, where you can see the process of distilling the homemade Armenian vodka and taste it.

Full of emotions from another day full of adventure, we depart towards Gyumri for overnight. 

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Gyumri on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Haghpat Monastery (UNESCO world heritage)
• Zarni-Parni complex
• Kobayr Monastery hike 
• Vodka degustation at Angar

Optional Activity at extra cost

• Rafting on Debed river

 Includes

• 90 min rafting
• Jumping from bridge
• Sliding from the raft
• Transfer from end point to start point
• Professional rafting instructor
• Rafting gear (helmets, life jackets, oars)

Meals Included

• Breakfast at the hotel

Important Notes

For those who would like to do rafting as an optional activity, please make sure to have extra dry clothes with you to get changed, and a small towel to dry. It is recommended to have rubber water shoes or similar closed shoes proper for the activity.

09:00 - Breakfast in the hotel
10:00 - Starting the tour 

We start our day from the Gyumri city tour – the 2nd major city of Armenia. Being one of the most ancient settlements in Armenia with the history of 3000 years, Gyumri is a significant location to visit and admire. Its name has been changed several times. It was originally founded as Kumayri, later re-founded as Alexandrapol, then as Gyumri. Each name brought a new era of history to the City.  Have a nice stroll in the heart of the city with its authentic food, traditions, old and new buildings, feel the special spirit of the city and enjoy genuine interaction with locals.

Lunch will be at “Cherkezi dzor” restaurant. Unique menu, very tasty fish dishes. All gourmets and lovers of bright flavors will enjoy a pleasant time here. You will definitely want to come back to this restaurant again.

As part of the city tour, we will visit the Ceramic Craft School on Shahumyan street.
Here masters of ceramic crafts are trained to make beautiful handmade souvenirs, which are great gifts to take away from Gyumri with you.

As part of the City tour, we will visit another unique place: Cobweb Art Gallery.  
Cobweb Art Gallery presents artist Andranik Avetisyan's Ado works which are made of cobweb.He is a founder of these cobweb works and the only artist in the world who creates works of art with the cobwebs.

Our next stop is “Armenia Wine” Winery where we’ll have nice lunch and wine tasting. Wine tasting is carried out in a professional tasting room. “Armenia Wine” Winery is one of the leading companies in the Armenian market, as its production process meets the modern standard by means of its innovative technologies which are used by the world-famous companies that produce wine, brandy and other alcoholic beverages. Today, it offers the assortment of high-quality “Armenia” wines to the most demanding local and foreign buyers.

After we will visit Wine History Museum of Armenia - located in the territory of "Armenia Wine" factory. The museum represents the rich history of Armenian winemaking from ancient times till nowadays.

Dinner will be in Nazani Restaurant.

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Included Activities

• Gyumri city tour
• "Armenia Wine" Winery
• Wine History Museum of Armenia

Meals Included 

• Breakfast at the hotel

09:00 - Breakfast in the hotel

You can use your free time and go to the Vernissage for souvenirs. Vernissage: Yerevan’s Flea Market is probably one of the best open-air markets in world. It is called Vernissage (varnishing, from French) — a term used for a preview of an art exhibition. A visit to the market will make the day more beautiful where you will find everything. It offers various kinds of nice national souvinirs, jewelry and other traditional items.

The Vernissage is the right place to get little taste of Armenia and a special spot to witness the fusion between national traditions and modern taste.

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Included Activities

• Farewell dinner with Armenian folk dance and music

Meals Included

• Breakfast at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure. 
Travel Enjoy Respect…

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT EXTRA COST

Want to make this trip more than just another cultural tour, you can choose to spice it up with these optional activities at extra cost.
The price and detailed description of Optional Activities will be provided in separate brochure.

• Paragliding in Sevan
• “Yell” Extreme Adventure theme park (apart from horseback riding)
• Rafting on the river Debed
• Optional activities in Yerevan